When I began my dietetics degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University, I quickly found myself part of a vibrant, diverse academic community. I met students from many backgrounds – culturally, socially and in terms of gender, sexuality and life experience.
Those connections made me reflect on the breadth of diversity I would one day encounter among my patients. It also made me realise how vital it is to be an advocate for inclusivity, not only in clinical practice, but also within the profession itself.
These reflections – grounded in both personal experience and professional values – have shaped a guiding belief: we must actively work to create a healthcare workforce that mirrors the diversity of the communities it serves. As a future dietitian, patient-centred care is not just a principle I aspire to – it’s the foundation of everything I do. And that care must begin with respecting, acknowledging and celebrating every aspect of a person’s identity.
That’s why the BDA’s participation in Pride Cymru, and increased LGBT+ representation across the four nations, is far more than symbolic. For me, it’s personal. And for our profession, it’s essential.
Where the idea began: from allyship to advocacy
The idea to get the BDA involved in Pride Cymru started with a moment of unexpected encouragement – and a growing awareness of my role as both an ally and a member of the LGBT+ community. Some of my closest university friends study Biomedical Science and Healthcare Science. Many of them are proudly part of the LGBT+ community, and they’ve helped me see how much of a difference it makes when your identity is acknowledged, understood and supported – especially in spaces where healthcare and science intersect. Their openness and courage inspired me to examine my own assumptions, challenge my own biases and stand with them, publicly and proudly.
In 2024, I attended Pride Cymru for the first time. I had planned only to spectate. But standing on the sidelines, watching the crowd go by, something shifted. My friends, marching with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), urged me to join them.
So I did – and that spontaneous decision became a defining moment. The energy, solidarity and joy of that parade were electric. It wasn’t just a celebration; it was a powerful statement of visibility, unity and resistance.
That day also sparked an unsettling realisation: while I stood with IBMS, the British Dietetic Association wasn’t there. The absence was glaring. We are a profession that talks about whole-person care, that prides itself on empathy and evidence-based practice – yet our visibility in such a critical moment of inclusion was missing.
That thought stayed with me long after the parade. And it turned into a question: Why not us? Why not dietetics?
Coming into myself
Shortly after that experience, I also began to reflect more deeply on my own identity – a process that had been quietly unfolding over time. The courage of my friends and the conversations we shared gave me space to ask myself some difficult but liberating questions.
Through that process, I came to embrace that I am pansexual. I now understand that my capacity for connection, love and attraction isn’t limited by gender – and never has been. Coming to terms with that truth brought clarity, but also a new sense of responsibility. What had begun as allyship had become personal.
This journey made the idea of BDA representation at Pride not just a good initiative – but a deeply meaningful mission.
Why representation at Pride Cymru matters
For some, attending Pride might seem like a nice gesture – a colourful event filled with rainbows and joy. But for many in the LGBT+ community, Pride is a lifeline. It’s a space to be seen, accepted and celebrated in a world that too often excludes or marginalises queer identities.
When professional bodies like the BDA show up, they’re not just waving flags – they’re sending a message:
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To LGBT+ healthcare professionals: You are valued. You are safe here
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To students: Your identity won’t be a barrier to success in our profession
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To patients: We see you, we respect you, and we will care for you without judgement
For dietitians in particular – a profession built on trust, communication, and empathy – this kind of representation isn’t just important; it’s necessary.
Turning an idea into reality: collaboration and courage
Making this happen required courage – and support. When the BDA’s Annual General Meeting took place at Cardiff Met, I saw a rare opportunity. With some nervous energy, I introduced myself to BDA CEO Liz Stockley and explained my vision: to see the BDA represented proudly at Pride Cymru 2025.
Liz’s response was more than encouraging – it was empowering. She listened, took it seriously and helped move the idea forward. She connected me with the BDA’s Director of Trade Union and Public Affairs, Annette Mansell Green, and from there, the momentum grew.
We formed a small but committed planning group, including Liz, Annette, BDA Chair Susan Price, former BDA Chair Caroline Bovey, Jordan Creed, Trade Union Organising and Campaigns Officer at the BDA, BDA Digital Manager Tom Tracey and BDA Trade Union Secretary Megan Worral – each bringing enthusiasm, practical insight, and unwavering support.
Together, we tackled everything from design and messaging to logistics and parade registration. I drafted an early concept for the banner, which Megan refined with the design team. Tom and Megan managed our formal application to Pride Cymru. What began as a conversation soon became a coordinated, collaborative campaign.
And then – we marched. As a team of dietitians, students, leaders and LGBT+ members and allies, we stood proudly in the heart of Cardiff, not just as individuals, but as a unified profession declaring its values.
“It was a huge honour to join members and staff at Pride Cymru, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity so visibly,” said Liz. “Growing the diversity of the dietetic profession is part of the BDA’s strategic plan, and we already benefit from active contributions from our LGBT+ members. Pride Cymru was a real opportunity to celebrate this.”
The impact: a new beginning, not just a day Pride Cymru 2025 marked a turning point for the BDA – but it was just the beginning. This isn’t about a single event. It’s about embedding inclusivity into the fabric of our organisation and our profession.
When the BDA shows up at Pride, it tells our LGBT+ members: You are not alone. You belong. It also invites future students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to see dietetics as a welcoming, inclusive and empowering career path. More broadly, representation like this challenges harmful stereotypes and opens the door for real cultural change within our workplaces, universities and healthcare systems.
What we can all do
Lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s a collective effort – one that requires intention, compassion and commitment from every member of our profession.
Here’s how you can help:
Educate yourself. Learn about the challenges LGBT+ patients and professionals face in healthcare
Be visible in your support. Whether you’re LGBT+ or an ally, your voice matters
Challenge bias. From subtle assumptions to outright discrimination – don’t let it slide Create safe spaces. In classrooms, clinics or break rooms – inclusivity should never be optional
Use your position. Whatever your role, you can advocate for fairness, respect and visibility.
Looking forward: from visibility to systemic change
As the LGBT+ representative on TUNEC, I am committed to ensuring that this momentum continues across all four nations. Our visibility at Pride must be matched by policy changes, training opportunities, leadership representation and inclusive systems that uplift and protect every member of our profession.
We must move beyond token gestures and focus on embedding equity into our core – from education and recruitment to practice standards and leadership pipelines.
When we do that, we don’t just improve life for LGBT+ dietitians – we improve our care for every patient who walks through our doors.
